American Elm (White Elm, Water Elm)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Ulmaceae, Genus: Ulmus, Species: U. americana · Ulmaceae (Elm family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Ulmus americana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Ulmaceae (Elm family)
Shape
Ovates to oblong-ovate with an asymmetric (unequal) cordate or rounded base and an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches long and 1.5 to 2 inches wide, which is typical for a young or average American Elm leaf (adult leaves range from 3 to 6 inches long)
Margin
Doubly serrate (coarsely toothed with smaller teeth along the larger teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig, featuring a very short, hairy petiole
Rarity
Common, widely distributed across its native range, though historical wild populations have been heavily impacted by Dutch elm disease
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green on the underside; appears uniformly colored with typical press-dried herbarium darkening, no unusual variegation or disease spots visible
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with straight, parallel lateral veins extending directly from the prominent central midrib to the margin teeth
Texture & Surface
Rough (scabrous) and sandpapery on the upper adaxial surface, slightly pubescent or hairy primarily along the veins on the lower abaxial surface
Description
The American Elm is a majestic, large deciduous tree famously recognized by its distinct vase-like growth habit with an arching canopy. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed with diamond-shaped ridges. Leaves are notably asymmetrical at the base, rough-textured, and turn a pleasant yellow in autumn. Flowers are small and wind-pollinated, emerging in early spring before the leaves, followed by small, flat, papery winged samaras.
Key Features
Asymmetrical leaf base where one side of the blade connects lower on the petiole than the other; doubly serrate margins; rough, sandpapery upper leaf texture; straight, parallel veins ending in teeth; and the characteristic vase-shaped tree architecture
Habitat
Found naturally in rich bottomland forests, along river floodplains, stream banks, and in moist uplands; prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils but demonstrates high adaptability to urban environments
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from Nova Scotia west to Alberta, and south to Florida and central Texas; widely planted as a shade tree throughout the temperate world
Condition Notes
The specimen is dried and pressed for an FFA herbarium collection. It is generally in good condition with minor drying wrinkles and slight edge curling, but the structural integrity, margins, and venation remain clearly intact for identification.
Interesting Facts
Historically, American Elms were the premier urban street tree in North America, forming gorgeous cathedral-like arching archways over avenues. The wood is exceptionally interlocking and tough, making it historically resistant to splitting, which made it valuable for furniture, wheel hubs, and wooden boat building.
Medicinal & Uses
Native Americans used the inner bark of various elm species for medicinal purposes, including teas to soothe sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues, as well as poultices for wounds. Primarily valued today as a prominent ornamental shade and street tree.
Ecological Role
Provides crucial nesting habitat, shelter, and canopy cover for numerous bird species and small mammals. The buds and seeds are consumed by wildlife, and the leaves serve as larval food for several butterfly and moth species, including the interrogation angle and mourning cloak butterflies.
Similar Species
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) has even rougher, larger leaves that feel like sandpaper and reddish-brown buds. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) has three distinct veins radiating from the leaf base instead of a single central midrib with parallel veins.
Foraging Tips
Look for large, vase-shaped trees in bottomland forests, parks, or old neighborhoods. Inspect fallen or low branches for the unmistakable asymmetrical leaf base and rough upper surface. Spring brings papery green seeds, while summer reveals the mature, dark green canopy.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The leaves, bark, and seeds of the American Elm are entirely safe and non-toxic to humans and domestic animals.